Japanese
(7th & 8th Grades)
7th Grade: WAJ0610 Japanese (Semester)
8th Grade: WAJ0100 JAPANESE 1 (Year)
Earn a High School Credit!
Dear Amazing Aliamanu Middle Schoolers,
Welcome to an exciting new adventure in language and culture! In this class, you’ll learn how to speak and understand everyday Japanese through fun, practical dialogue. We’ll work together on clear pronunciation so you can communicate confidently, and you’ll develop your writing skills as you are introduced to both hiragana and katakana, the two foundational Japanese scripts. Whether you’ve studied another language before or are brand new to it, you’ll discover how rewarding it is to express yourself in a completely new way.
Beyond language, you’ll explore Japan’s rich and fascinating history. From the honor-bound world of the samurai to the stealth and strategy of the ninja, we’ll dive into stories, artifacts, and traditions that shaped Japan’s past. You’ll also get hands-on opportunities to connect this history to art, calligraphy, and creative projects that make the culture come alive.
Most importantly, you’ll experience the beauty of Japanese culture as it exists today. We’ll learn about the elegance of the tea ceremony, the craftsmanship behind swordmaking, and the amazing variety of Japanese foods—from everyday dishes to festival treats. By the end of the year, you won’t just know a new language; you’ll understand the art, traditions, and spirit of Japan. I can’t wait to welcome you into the class and start this journey together!